Touchdown Dip makes a tasty treat

It is featured at Town Tavern restaurants owned by Dan Marino, the Miami Dolphins quarterback. It's made with almonds, cream cheese, garlic and herb seasoning, to serve as a spread or dip for raw vegetables, baguette slices or crackers.

DAN MARINO'S ALMOND TOUCHDOWN DIP

8-ounce container whipped cream cheese

1 tablespoon milk

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon onion powder

1/4 teaspoon dried oregano leaves

1/8 teaspoon dried basil leaves

Salt and pepper, to taste

1/3 cup sliced almonds, toasted (see note)

In bowl, mix cream cheese and milk to blend thoroughly. Mix in garlic powder, onion powder, oregano and basil to blend thoroughly. Season with salt and pepper. Mix in almonds just before serving.

Makes about 1 cup, 8 snack servings. (Recipe can be multiplied to make larger quantities.)

Note: To toast almonds, spread in an ungreased baking pan. Bake in 350-degree oven for 5 to 10 minutes, or until almonds are light brown; stir once or twice to ensure even browning. Note that almonds will continue to brown slightly after they are removed from the oven.